The ballot for the May 7 primary has started to fill out, as candidates filed paperwork this week to seek major party nominations for several state and local races.
On the state level, Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, has filed to run for reelection in Indiana House District 59, which includes much of Columbus.
Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, filed for reelection in Indiana House District 69, which covers a portion of Bartholomew, Jackson, Washington and Scott counties. Lucas recently completed probation after pleading guilty to charges that he crashed his vehicle through an interstate guardrail while under the influence of alcohol and then fled the scene.
Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, also has filed to run for a second term representing Indiana House District 73, which includes a portion of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties. Additionally, Democrat Hollie Payton of Greensburg has filed to run for the Democratic nomination for Indiana House District 73.
On the local level, one incumbent so far is facing a primary challenge. Republican Larry Kleinhenz, who currently holds the Bartholomew County Commissioners District 1 seat, is being challenged by Rick D. Miller for the Republican nomination. Both candidates filed their paperwork to run in the primary this week.
Incumbent Tony London also has filed for a second term representing Bartholomew County Commissioner District 3.
Bartholomew Superior Court 1 Judge James “Jim” Worton has filed to seek a third term on the bench, while Tom Barrett, a deputy coroner, has filed to run for the Republican nomination for Bartholomew County Coroner. Current coroner Clayton Nolting is term limited.
John Prohaska and Kim Bennett have filed to run for the Republican nomination for two Bartholomew County Council at-large seats.
Jake Fitzsimmons filed to run for the Republican nomination for Bartholomew County surveyor.
John Walstad filed to run for the GOP nomination for Hope Town Council, Ward 2.
So far, nobody has filed to run for federal offices representing parts of Bartholomew County that up for grabs during this year’s election, according to the most recent information available Friday.
Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind., has said he will not seek reelection in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District, which covers parts of Bartholomew, Johnson, Shelby and Hancock counties and southern portions of Indianapolis.
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., had not yet filed for reelection in Indiana’s 9th Congressional District, which includes a slice of southern Bartholomew County and much of southeastern Indiana, according to the most recent information available on Friday.
But there is still time left. Candidate filing ends Feb. 9, according to the Indiana Election Division.
